MDiv
Master of Divinity
Beeson Divinity School’s MDiv combines academic and practical training to prepare men and women for full-time ministry.
Is This Program for Me?
This degree is designed for those who plan to serve in vocational Christian ministry roles, whether in traditional parish settings or in other Christian ministry organizations. Graduates from this program are serving in a wide array of ministry professions, including: pastor/priest, chaplain, campus ministry, associate ministerial roles, Bible teachers, missionaries, church planters and more.
Why Earn an MDiv at Beeson?
Beeson Divinity School strives to prepare God-called men and women for faithful ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. We believe that our MDiv is the best degree for Christian ministry because of these convictions:
- We believe strongly that a community-oriented, full-time and personal environment offers the best opportunity to train for such ministry.
- We believe the Bible is God’s Word written and therefore fully trustworthy and able to teach us how to know our Lord and serve His people.
- We believe the truths expressed in historic confessions of the faith, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and significant denominational confessions. We believe that Jesus Christ alone saves from the penalty, power and presence of sin. We believe that ministers in the church of Jesus Christ, too, should proclaim and live by these convictions.
Given these convictions, we require MDiv students to follow a balanced, integrated curriculum for their preparation as Christian ministers. We also mentor students in the classroom, in small groups and individually so that, together, we learn and live “the faith once for all delivered to the saints.”
Program Objectives
The Master of Divinity is the flagship degree of Beeson Divinity School. It combines academic and practical training to prepare students for full-time ministry. This degree offers a balanced curriculum of biblical studies, history and doctrine, spiritual formation and ministry leadership development. The MDiv consists of 87 hours and typically requires three to four years to complete.
Graduates of this program will be:
- Able interpreters and expositors of the Scriptures, who use sound hermeneutical methodology to teach the Bible to others faithfully and clearly.
- Well-grounded in the doctrines of historic Christian orthodoxy, who articulate orthodox doctrinal convictions in denominational context.
- Growing in love for God and neighbor and in Christlike character, relating to others with respect and charity, engaging consistently in practices of Christian spirituality and demonstrating Christlike character in ministry leadership roles.
- Well-equipped to share the gospel, both locally and globally, in biblically faithful and culturally appropriate ways.
- Faithful and competent ministers, who feed and lead God's people well.
Program Design
Biblical Studies
Beeson retains the evangelical conviction that Holy Scripture norms theology, life and ministry. Thus, students take courses in Old and New Testament Theology as well as four courses each in Greek and Hebrew.
Historical and Doctrinal Studies
Unique in theological education, Beeson teaches theology and church history together in an integrated four-course sequence. Students learn key doctrines such as Scripture, Christology, Pneumatology, justification, creation and anthropology as they unfold and develop in the history of the Christian church.
Spiritual Formation, Ministry Theory & Practice Studies
We believe theological education is more than the transfer of information. It should result in transformation and ministry for the church in the world to the glory of God. Thus, students take required courses in spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, evangelism, missions and preaching as well as complete a cross-cultural ministry practicum and a year-long ministry practicum in a local church.
Electives
Students may take four courses in any of the three areas above to hone their preparation for ministry and complete the degree.
Optional Opportunities
Accelerated Pathway Program
In cooperation with the Biblical and Religious Studies department in Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, the Christian Ministry department in Samford’s School of the Arts and the Human Development and Family Science department in Samford's Orlean Beeson School of Education, we offer exceptional students the opportunity to complete their bachelor of arts and the master of divinity degrees in a minimum of six years of full-time study rather than the typical minimum of seven years.
Chaplaincy Emphasis
Chaplains provide much needed Gospel witness as well as Christian care and counsel in many of life’s most critical times and places. If God is calling you to such a ministry, you will find an excellent program of training and support at Beeson Divinity School.
Certificates
Certificates allow students to pursue deeper knowledge of doctrine, worship, spirituality and practical application in preparation for life and ministry.
Joint Degrees
Joint degrees save time and money by reducing the total number of hours required to earn two complimentary master's degrees.
Certificates
Certificate of Anglican Studies (CAS)
This program helps students deepen in the knowledge of Anglican history and doctrine, worship, spirituality and practice as preparation for life and ministry in the Anglican Church. This certificate is awarded with the successful completion of the Master of Divinity degree. Master of Divinity students who intend to pursue ordination in an Anglican communion may wish to complete requirements for the certificate of Anglican studies. Students pursuing the certificate must:
- Complete two elective courses: Anglican History and Doctrine (Replaces DVET 701) and Anglican Worship and Sacraments (Replaces DVHD 606)
- Complete the Supervised Ministry Practicum (DVML 701 & 702) in an Anglican ministry context
- Attend regularly morning prayer services offered at Beeson or at a local Anglican congregation
- Attend regularly evensong services (and the training beforehand) offered at Beeson or at a local Anglican congregation
- Demonstrate mastery of the core competencies for ministry leadership, based on evaluations conducted by professors and mentors in the Anglican Institute
In addition to these requirements, students are also encouraged to participate fully in other Anglican Institute program opportunities, such as monthly Anglican lunches, monthly Anglican theology nights, and lectures and sermons by visiting Anglican scholars and dignitaries.
Missions Certificate
Students desiring additional intentional training in cross-cultural ministry may pursue a missions certificate. In addition to excellent academic grounding in biblical and theological studies, students take 3 missions courses and 2 practicums. In concert, the classroom and field courses provide a rich training ground for students pursuing a call to cross-cultural mission.
Courses
All students take Introduction to Christian Missions as part of the core curriculum. This foundational course provides a biblical, cultural and strategic overview of God’s global mission to all tongues, tribes and nations. The following two missions electives are required for certificate students: Contemporary Issues and Strategies in Missions and World Religions and Worldviews.
Practicums
MDiv students complete a two-week cross-cultural immersion experience overseen by the Global Center; students earning a mission certificate complete a minimum six-week cross-cultural immersion experience. Our partners in the U.S. and around the world mentor and oversee students practicums. Ministry partners are in such places as the Czech Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Middle East and Brooklyn.
Missions certificate students will complete their Supervised Ministry Practicum in a ministry that is both cross-cultural and evangelistic in nature. Ministry partners are places such as Germany, England, Liberia, Ecuador, the Middle East and Taiwan.
Certificate of Wesleyan Studies
This program prepares students for life and ministry in churches within the Wesleyan theological tradition. Attention is given to Wesleyan history and doctrine, worship, polity, spirituality, ministry and mission. Students who intend to pursue ordination in a Wesleyan denomination are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the certificate of Wesleyan studies, as these will satisfy educational requirements stipulated by several denominations.
The certificate is awarded with the successful completion of the MDiv degree. Requirements for the certificate include:
Courses (6 credit hours)
- Wesleyan History & Doctrine (3 hours, Replaces DVET 701)
- Wesleyan Polity, Ministry & Mission (3 hours, Replaces DVHD 606)
Practicum (6 credit hours)
- Supervised Ministry Practicum 1 (3 hours)
- Supervised Ministry Practicum 2 (3 hours)
- 35-week ministry practicum in a Wesleyan parish
Students pursuing the certificate of Wesleyan studies are also expected to participate fully in the meetings and events of the Wesley Fellowship at Beeson Divinity School. Under the care and direction of the Methodist Chair of Divinity, the Wesley Fellowship provides students with opportunities to grow in the Wesleyan way of holiness of heart and life by the gracious empowerments of the Holy Spirit. Monthly gatherings include participation in the practices of prayer, meditation on Scripture, mutual encouragement and accountability, learning and service. The Wesley Fellowship also includes occasional events that feature conversations with Wesleyan pastors, denominational leaders, scholars, missionaries and lay persons.
Joint Degree & Accelerated Pathway Programs
Joint Degree Details
Joint-degree programs allow students to earn two degrees concurrently with fewer credit requirements than needed to earn the degrees separately. Joint-degree programs require separate admission applications to each of the respective schools. Students seeking to enter a joint-degree program must meet admission requirements for both schools participating in the joint program.
Beeson Divinity School's primary degree is the Master of Divinity, and our student body is small. As such, our course work offerings are limited. Classes are offered during the day only, Tuesday through Friday. The curriculum structure is integrative and requires incremental progress from one semester to the next. Joint degree students are encouraged to plan their course work well in advance to minimize scheduling or sequencing conflicts. To receive divinity school scholarships, joint degree students are expected to take a minimum of nine divinity credit hours per semester.
Requirements
- A student must apply for admission to each school separately through the regular process prescribed by the respective school.
- Separate GPAs are maintained respective of each school and degree earned.
- In order to qualify for divinity tuition scholarships during each fall and spring semester, a student must take at least nine divinity credits during the semester. Scholarships may be available from the other school as well.
- Once officially in the joint degree program, tuition will be charged separately per each program.
- Both degrees will be awarded at the same time, regardless of the fact that requirements for one degree may be completed prior to completion of another.
- Other school specific requirements may be required that are not noted on this overview.
Master of Divinity and Juris Doctorate
When pursued concurrently the divinity school will apply 12 semester hours of elective credit for law school courses, and the law school will apply 15 semester hours of elective credits for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number of hours for the two degrees by 27. Pursued separately, the JD (90 hours) and the MDiv (87 hours) would require a total of 177 semester hours. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 150 and takes approximately six years to complete.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Juris Doctorate
When pursued concurrently, the divinity school will apply six semester hours of elective credit for law school courses, and the law school will apply 12 semester hours of elective credits for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number of hours for the two degrees by 18. Pursued separately, the JD (90 hours) and the MATS (37 hours) would require a total of 127 semester hours. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 109 and takes approximately five years to complete.
Students must complete their first semester of law school before applying to the divinity school. Law students applying to the joint degree program must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.
For additional information, you may contact Tami Zenker, Cumberland School of Law registrar, at 205-726-2044.
Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration
When pursued concurrently, the divinity school will apply nine credits of business coursework to satisfy work required under the regular Master of Divinity curriculum and the business school will apply six credits of divinity coursework to satisfy work required under regular MBA curriculum. The net result is that students in this program are required to complete 30-39 credits of business coursework (depending upon prerequisites taken) and 78 credits of divinity coursework. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 108-117 for this joint degree.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the MBA program to be in good standing.
For additional information, you may contact Heather Averett, administrative director of Academic Programs in Brock School of Business at 205-726-2040.
Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work
When pursued concurrently, the divinity school will apply 12 semester hours of elective credit for social work program courses and the social work program will apply nine hours of elective credit for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number for the two degrees by 21. In addition to the ability to count core courses from one program for elective credit in the other, students in the MDiv-MSW program are also eligible to complete internships for both programs simultaneously in a church or ministry setting. Internship sites must be approved by both programs and internship activities must meet the internal and accreditation requirements of each program. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 126 for this joint degree.
For additional information, you may contact Mary Davis Kennedy, School of Public Health Recruiter, at publichealth@samford.edu.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Master of Social Work
When pursued simultaneously, the divinity school will apply six semester hours of elective credit for social work program courses and the social work program will grant nine semester hours of elective credits for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number of hours for the two degrees by 15. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 76 for this joint degree.
For additional information, you may contact Mary Davis Kennedy, School of Public Health Recruiter, at publichealth@samford.edu.
Accelerated Bachelor of Arts to Master of Divinity
This program of study is available only to students majoring in biblical studies, Christian ministry, human development and family science, religion, or religion with a concentration in ministry leadership.
Students interested in the accelerated BA to MDiv program should seek guidance from their advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies. The undergraduate program of study requires completion of all university core curriculum courses, all general education requirements, and all courses required for the undergraduate major (96-98 credit hours total). Upon completion of the first 64 credit hours of undergraduate studies (or one year prior to the term in which a student wishes to begin graduate theological studies), he or she must apply for admission to the MDiv program at Beeson Divinity School. Offers of admission are extended to applicants who demonstrate exceptional personal and spiritual maturity, a clear call and commitment to vocational Christian ministry, and strong academic performance in their undergraduate studies. If accepted, a student must complete all remaining undergraduate coursework and participate in a co-curricular program of spiritual and vocational mentoring before beginning MDiv studies at Beeson Divinity School.
View a sample program of study for the Accelerated BA-MDiv Pathway Program.
Chaplaincy Emphasis
We are committed to preparing God-called persons for ministry in the church of Jesus Christ across a broad spectrum of Protestant Christian denominations and traditions and in a variety of ministry roles. Among these roles is the ministry of chaplains, who serve in pastoral capacities in contexts such as the armed forces, hospitals and other clinical settings, home health and hospice services and workplaces. Chaplains provide much needed Gospel witness and Christian care and counsel in many of life’s most critical times and places. If God is calling you to such a ministry, you will find an excellent program of training and support at Beeson Divinity School. Enjoy the benefits of:
A Recommended Track of Study Within the MDiv Program
In addition to the MDiv program’s solid core of biblical and theological coursework, students preparing for chaplaincy are advised to use their 12 elective credits for courses such as Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry, Marriage & Family Counseling, and Crisis, Trauma, & Grief, or to complete a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in a local hospital or the chaplain basic course required for military chaplaincy. Additionally, these students should plan to complete their 8-month supervised ministry practicum in one of many chaplaincy ministry settings in the Birmingham metropolitan area.
An Ample Offering of Vocational Guidance and Enrichment
Beeson has enlisted the help of chaplains, Christian counselors and strategic partners from various sectors to advise and assist students in their preparation for chaplaincy ministry. These experienced practitioners also provide occasional ministry enrichment events and opportunities for observation in ministry settings.
Personal Support for Students and Alumni
Beyond the networks of support and the scholarship assistance available to all Beeson students, there are other sources of support and assistance designated for students preparing for chaplaincy ministry. For example, Beeson’s advisory board of chaplaincy professionals can provide helpful assistance to students and alumni seeking employment opportunities, supplementing what is available through our placement services office. And scholarships, such as the Hutchens and Holle Scholarships, are designated for students preparing for service as military chaplains.
